AWARAN, BALOCHISTAN: Speakers at an event organized by the Baloch National Movement (BNM) Shaheed Rashid Awaran Hanken chapter have declared that Pakistan’s nuclear tests conducted on Baloch soil on May 28, 1998, are a symbol of occupation and enslavement of Balochistan, stating that the explosions have poisoned underground water reserves and devastated the Balochistan’s environment.
The event was held in connection with May 28, observed annually by the BNM as “Black Day.”
Addressing the program, speakers said that on May 28, 1998, Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in Chagai, an area of Balochistan rich in water resources, natural pastures and vibrant life. As a result, local populations were forced to abandon their homes, while radiation caused irreversible damage to the environment.
Speakers stated that the Pakistani state deliberately chose Balochistan for its nuclear tests because it considers the region an occupied territory and regards the lives of its people as worthless. They added that the tests resulted in the spread of multiple diseases across a wide area, including skin cancer, which despite being documented, was ignored at both the regional and international levels.
“Pakistan places no value on Baloch lives and property. Dozens of lives are lost daily due to substandard roads and poor transportation infrastructure, while the Pakistani military subjects people to enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. This is a continuation of the genocide of the Baloch nation. Pakistan’s nuclear tests in Chagai are also part of a policy aimed at destroying the Baloch nation at every level,” speakers said.
The program made it clear that the Baloch nation observes May 28 as Black Day in direct contrast to the Pakistani state, which celebrates it as a day of national pride.
The event was addressed by BNM Awaran Hanken President Ustad Mehran, Vice President Talar Naz, Sarbaz Wafa, and Wadar, while proceedings were conducted by Hanken Finance Secretary Meerak.
It is worth noting that the BNM observes May 28 as Black Day every year across the world. On this day, awareness campaigns are conducted regarding the radiation effects caused by Pakistan’s nuclear tests in Balochistan. Through protest programs and events, the Baloch national position against nuclear weapons is presented.
The BNM demands that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons be destroyed under the supervision of international institutions, as they represent a permanent threat to the region and the world.
